Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Pat Freiermuth

Thursday, September 4, 6:15 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) was officially listed as a non-participant for the second straight day at practice on Thursday, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. The Dolphins are bringing Waller along slowly after he was in retirement all of last year, but his absence from practice on Thursday is a bit concerning after head coach Mike McDaniel said on Wednesday that he would return the following day. The 32-year-old veteran is also listed with an actual injury for the first time since coming out of retirement to join the team. All summer, the Dolphins were taking it easy on Waller to get his conditioning up to speed. He will have one more chance on Friday to get back on the practice field before Sunday's Week 1 season opener against the Colts. Even if Waller is active, he'll likely be on a snap count, so he can't realistically be trusted in starting fantasy lineups.

Friday, August 22, 12:08 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in both of his targets for six yards in a 19-10 exhibition victory over the Carolina Panthers. Freiermuth, who was held out of Pittsburgh's first two preseason contests, played with the first-team offense on Thursday night and was immediately a go-to option for quarterback Mason Rudolph. In addition to his two official opportunities, Freiermuth was targeted early in the first quarter on third down, but his defender was flagged for pass interference. While recently-acquired tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) isn't expected to miss any regular-season action, Freiermuth should still be a focal point of the Steelers' passing game that lacks depth at the wide receiver position. He's an intriguing late-round target with upside in most redraft fantasy leagues.